Family make emotional plea for missing Balfron man to return as police continue search

John Miller's niece and sister appeal for information at Dumbarton Police station

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The search continues for a missing Balfron man who hasn’t been seen for a fortnight.

William Miller’s family made an emotional plea this week for “Uncle Billy” to get in touch, which has resulted in nine unconfirmed sightings so far being investigated by police.

Investigators have been following every lead, and specialist marine officers have searched the River Leven in the hunt to find him.

The 62-year-old, who was originally from West Dunbartonshire, was last seen at the BP garage in Main Street, Jamestown, Alexandria, at around 12.20am on Thursday, January 7, after spending the evening at the nearby Fentons Public House.

Niece Eva Greenock said: “Uncle Billy if you see this we need you to know that me, my mum and dad, nana, Logan and Ben, all love and miss you.

“We need to know that you are safe and we want you to come home.”

Ms Greenock was accompanied by her parents James and Eva McGregor.

Mrs McGregor, 61, is Mr Miller’s sister.

Police have focused their efforts around Milngavie, Balloch and Alexandria, where William was known to frequent local footpaths and forest walks.

But as the search entered its third week, the search area has widened to take in Balfron where he lived.

Officers have carried out door to door enquiries and have spoken to pedestrians and motorists, as well as checking the water in kayaks.

William is between 5ft 10in and 6ft tall, of medium build.

He was last seen wearing blue jeans, a blue and grey T-shirt, and a black hooded waterproof jacket with the DOUGLAS PARK logo on the left breast and carrying a distinctive small black rucksack with light blue panels. He usually wears a white-faced analogue watch with a brown leather strap.

Chief Inspector Graeme MacDiarmid said: “It is very out of character for him to not be in touch with his family for such a length of time.

“We are very concerned for his safety and wellbeing, particularly with the sub-zero temperatures that we have been experiencing.

“As a result of our enquiries, we understand that William may have connections in the Dunoon area, and may have travelled there.

“I would ask specifically for dog walkers to keep an eye out for him, as he is known to frequent local hillwalking sites and local landmarks such as the Stuckie Bridge.

“I would continue to ask everyone in Dumbarton, Alexandria, Milngavie, Dunoon and surrounding areas to check their sheds, garages, or outhouses in case he has taken shelter within.”

Checks have been made with taxi drivers, to discover if anyone may have picked him up in the area of Main Street, Jamestown, Alexandria, where he was last seen.